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This is the first part of an environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) study of oilseed rape cultivated under conditions prevalent in the region of Vojvodina, Serbia. The paper presents the initial two phases of the LCA: goal and scope definition, as well as the life cycle inventory (LCI). The assessment exclusively focuses on the rapeseed oil production chain, which includes the transportation of oilseeds to regional silos as its final stage. The assessment of production inputs, including quantities of mineral fertilizers, pesticides, and diesel fuel needed to achieve an assumed yield of 3000 kg ha-1, relies on recommendations from relevant agricultural advisory institutions. Emissions of pollutants into the environment, considered as outputs, are calculated using methodologies that account for locally specific conditions and production practices. Collected or estimated input and output data are entered into the OpenLCA software, which, in conjunction with the ecoinvent 3.7 database, computes the results of the LCI analysis. The LCI result contains data on hundreds of different pollutants emitted into the environment during the processes that make up the oilseed rape production chain, as well as a detailed inventory of consumed or used natural resources. However, LCI results only provide data on the quantities of different exchanges with the environment, not their potential impacts. Thus, they are not suitable for concluding the overall impact of oilseed rape production on the environment. Consequently, the analysis requires supplementation through the third LCA phase: the life cycle impact assessment (LCIA). This phase provides further explanations and interpretations of the significance of inventory results from an environmental protection perspective.

Enantiomers of pharmaceuticals may exhibit different effects because the organism serves as a chiral selector. Enantiomers can now be identified and separated using analytical techniques such as gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. The nonselective b-adrenergic blocker propranolol is used as a racemate in therapy, but only the S(-) isomer has been shown to be active. The aim of this study was to determine the mobile phase composition that would achieve optimal retention and satisfactory resolution between enantiomers and to confirm the order of elution of the enantiomers. The enantioseparation was tested in the n-heptane/ethanol/ammonia, n-heptane/ethanol/diethylamine, n-heptane/isopropanol/ ammonia and n-heptane/isopropanol/diethylamine systems. Optimal separation of enantiomers (t1=4,708; t2=5.264; Rs=1.75) was achieved with the mobile phase n-heptane/ethanol/diethylamine 80/20/0.1. The elution order was based on the retention time of the pure S(-)isomer. It was confirmed that the R(+) isomer shows higher retention.

Global organic agriculture and consumption of organic food has continuously increased over the past decades. The aim of the research was to determine and compare cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) concentrations in organic and conventional root and tuber vegetables from the Serbian market. Samples of three root and tuber vegetables commonly consumed in Serbia, including potatoes, carrots and beetroots, were collected at two green markets and four supermarkets in the territory of the city of Belgrade, Serbia. Concentrations of Cd and Pb in fresh weight were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Mean concentrations of Cd and Pb in two types of vegetables were compared by the ttest. Cd and Pb concentrations in both types of vegetables were below allowable limits. Potato mean Cd concentration was significantly lower in the organic than in the conventional type (0.021 mg kg-1 and 0.037 mg kg-1, respectively). In carrots, it was the opposite, Cd concentration was higher in the organic type, but the difference was not significant either between the two types or for beetroots. Results indicated lower Pb levels in organic potatoes and beetroots, and higher Pb levels in organic carrots, but differences between means were not significant in all tested vegetables. Obtained results are not conclusive, but they indicate lower or similar concentrations of both metals in organic vegetables in comparison to conventional types.

Good crop establishment is essential for achieving high yield and constraints to good establishment include untimely sowing and low seed quality combined with various adverse growing conditions after sowing. Seed priming is a pre-sowing technique used for the improvement of germination, reduction of the time from sowing to emergence and improvement of emergence uniformity. Various seed priming techniques, such as hydropriming and priming with zinc, are used nowadays to improve crop establishment. The importance of seed priming with zinc for better germination, improved stand establishment, and higher maize yield are well documented. However, there is still a lack of results on the effects of seed priming with water and zinc on seed quality and viability, given that maize seed can be kept in storage for many years without a significant reduction in germination. The study was aimed to evaluate the effects of seed priming with water and Zn on the quality and viability of the maize seed. In order to evaluate the response of four maize hybrids to priming with water (hydropriming) and 4 mM zinc sulphate, primed seeds were subjected to laboratory tests, namely to the germination test, the cold test, and the accelerated aging test. Both priming treatments increased the seed quality, but the beneficial effect of Zn-priming maintained to a larger extent than hydropriming in cold-treated and aged seeds. The negative effects of hydropriming on the viability o f the aged seed of hybrid NS 4023 imply a possible limitation to deferred sowing of primed maize seed.

The purpose of this study is to determine the quality of oilseed rape seeds, produced at various locations, immediately after harvest and after a one-year storage period under controlled and uncontrolled conditions. The experimental testing was performed on seeds of five winter oilseed rape varieties produced at two localities (Rimski Šančevi and Pančevo). Following harvest and a one-year storage period, the seed quality was determined under laboratory conditions using standard germination tests. Seed germination, seedling length and vigour index were determined after seven days. The seed germination, length of seedling and vigour index values of the seeds produced at both localities were lower after one year of storage. Differences obtained between the seeds stored under controlled and uncontrolled conditions were not statistically significant. The seeds with higher initial values of all the tested parameters proved better under storage conditions.

Genotype by environment interaction (GEI) is a complex problem that complicates the barley selection and breeding process. The knowledge of the relationship between cereal phenology and climatic data is important for understanding GEI and the physiological pathways responsible for the interaction effect. The grain yield of twenty winter barley genotypes in six environments was observed. Factors influencing the variability were analyzed using a linear mixed model. The partial least squares regression (PLSR) model was applied to determine the most relevant environmental variables in certain stages of development that explained GEI effects. Biplot with environmental variables explained 43.7% of the GEI. The barley was generally the most sensitive to the environmental conditions (relative humidity, maximum temperature and its variation, sun hours, and precipitation) during the anthesis and filling stage (May) which caused GEI. Temperature variables did not show significance only in the vegetative phase. Different genotypes responded differently to environmental factors. Genotypes NS-525, NS-589, and J-103 were highlighted as widely adaptable, and Zaječar was a suitable and reliable location for yield testing. The GEI information presented in this paper can be useful in traditional plant breeding and future breeding programs through molecular research of crop developmental genes and examination of physiological processes in two-row barley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed treatment is a common way of fungicide and insecticide use nowadays, since this way of pesticide application can provide the best protection in the vicinity of the future plant. The aim of research was to evaluate the effects of different seed treatments on germination and seedling growth in three maize inbred lines. The research included the seed treatment with several combinations of a fungicide Maxim XL 035-FS (a.i. metalaxil-M + fludioxonil) and neonicotinoid insecticides Gaucho 600-FS (a.i. imidacloprid) and Cruiser 350-FS (a.i. thiamethoxam), as well as untreated seed (control). The results indicated that inbred lines 21202 x 21101 NS and 317659 NS had a highly vigourous seed which was not affected by the seed treatments. The seed treatments with Maxim XL 035- FS+Gaucho 600-FS and Maxim XL 035-FS+Cruiser 350-FS led to a decrease in germination (90.25% and 89.50%, respectively) of maize inbred line 306081 NS as well as a decrease in root length (126.75 mm and 125.25 mm, respectively) and dry root weight (0.135 g and 0.1875 g, respectively) of maize inbred line 21202 x 21101 NS. All seed treatments had positive effects on root growth, as well as on fresh root weight of maize inbred lines 306081 NS and 317659 NS. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31073: Improvement of maize and sorghum under stress]

Post-anthesis drought affects wheat production worldwide, primarily through the limitation of grain filling. The enhanced remobilization of stem reserves induced by drought can provide considerable carbon sources for grain filling. The aim of this study, which was part of an ongoing wheat-breeding program targeting drought tolerance, was to assess the ability of 20 contrasting common wheat genotypes (2 cultivars, 8 F6:7 families (FAM), and 10 parent genotypes (PAR) used to make the families) to remobilize stem dry matter under water-stressed conditions simulated via defoliation 10 days after anthesis, and to estimate the contribution of stem dry matter remobilization to grain weight. In two-year field trials, the genotypes were scored for agro-physiological and peduncle morpho-anatomical traits. Stem reserve contribution to grain weight per spike was significantly enhanced in defoliated plants but did not differ amongst the groups of genotypes. F6:7 families had higher grain-filling rate and 1000-grain weight but without improvement in grain weight per spike under defoliation compared with parental groups. The total area of chlorenchyma, phloem-area-related traits, and stem reserve contribution to grain weight were positively associated with grain weight per spike under defoliation, whilst in both treatments, the grain-filling rate was determined by stem height. These results imply that the grain-filling rate is a trait desirable for drought tolerance that can be improved during the breeding process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-basic seed potato material is used for basic seed (elite) and certified seed potato production. At this moment all basic seed material is imported into Republic of Serbia and Republic of Srpska, despite the fact that the method of in vitro tissue culture production of virus-free seed potato has been developed in both countries and there is a continuous demand for pre-basic and basic seed potato. Current total production is significantly lower than actual requirements. In the 80s and 90s of the previous century two modern facilities for production of virus-free seed potato and certified seed were built in Sokolac (Republic of Srpska) and Guča (Republic of Serbia). Although facilities were well-equipped, seed potato production was permanently ceased in 2000. The presence of high infection pressure dominated by potato virus Y is shown in the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska. This paper gives an overview of pre-basic seed potato material production in both countries over the last two decades.

Delivery of micronutrients to plants through seed priming improves seedling vigour and increases crops yields. Two-year filed trial was conducted in Pančevo, Serbia, with aim to study the effect of seed priming with zinc (Zn) on field performance of three maize hybrids on calcareous chernozem deficient in plant available Zn. Seed priming treatments were: control (without priming), water priming and priming with 4 mM zinc sulphate water solution. Seed priming had significant effect on early plant growth, plant height, yield components, grain yield and grain Zn concentration. Zn-priming promoted plant growth and increased final plant height. Across two growing seasons with contrasting precipitation and three tested maize hybrids, Zn-priming resulted in an average increase of grain yield by about 18% compared to control, and by about 8.4% compared to water priming. A significant relationship between plant growth parameters, grain yield components and grain yield was detected. Grain Zn concentration was increased by Zn-priming in two hybrids in the season with less precipitation and in one hybrid in the second season. The results imply that using the seeds with elevated Zn content can improve overall field performance of maize grown on calcareous chernozem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Genetika (0534-0012) is the property of Serbian Genetics Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Zemdirbyste-Agriculture is the property of Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture & Forestry and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Rapeseed is one of the most important sources of edible oil, raw material for industry, as well as feed. The yield and quality of rapeseed have significantly been improved in recent decades as a result of intensive breeding and optimized production technology. The application of Mendel's rules in introducing monogenic traits has also contributed to success in rapeseed breeding. Rule 1, which refers to the uniformity of F1 generation, is now the basis of widespread development of rapeseed hybrids. Rule 2, dealing with genetic segregation in the F2 generation, is the basis for understanding the process of breeding lines. Rule 3, regarding the independent segregation of genes and traits, while exempting linked traits, is the basis of combining different desirable properties by selection. In the last few decades, the systematic use of Mendel's rules has contributed to the improvement of many properties of rapeseed, including tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress, yield and seed quality. Particular progress has been made in breeding for resistance to diseases, including the identification of molecular markers for markerassisted selection. The next objective of rapeseed breeding is to create varieties with improved tolerance to environmental stress (e.g. frost, heat, and drought). Based on Mendel's rules, classical breeding methods and the latest developments in the field of molecular genetics and breeding, future progress is expected in the field of rapeseed breeding with an emphasis on polygenic, quantitative traits such as biomass, seed, and oil yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When water stress develops post-anthesis, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants have to rely increasingly on remobilization of previously stored assimilates to maintain grain filling. In two-year field trials, we studied more than 20 agronomic and developmental traits in 61 wheat genotypes (27 F4:5 families, 17 parents used for the crosses and 17 standards), comparing plants that were defoliated (DP) by cutting off all leaf blades 10 days after anthesis with intact control plants (CP). Estimated contributions of stem and sheath assimilate reserves to grain weight/spike were from 10-54% and from 24-84% in CP and DP plants, respectively. Stem-related traits were among key traits determining stem reserve contribution (SRC). The most important genetic variables in differentiating genotypes for stress tolerance were biomass/stem, stem reserves mobilization efficiency and grain filling rate (GFR). Balance among traits related to yield maintenance in DP were more important than their high values. In general F4:5 families (FAM), that had been crossed to combine typical breeding traits such as biomass and yield components, showed better tolerance under moderate stress than standards and parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Genetika (0534-0012) is the property of Serbian Genetics Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Response of 16 oilseed rape genotypes to B (boron) toxicity was analyzed by comparing the results of two experiments conducted in a glasshouse. In Experiment 1 plants were grown in standard nutrient solutions with 10 μM B (control) and 1000 μM B. Relative root and shoot growth varied from 20-120% and 31-117%, respectively. Variation in B concentration in shoots was also wide (206.5-441.7 µg B g-1 DW) as well as total B uptake by plant (62.3-281.2 µg B g-1). Four selected genotypes were grown in Experiment 2 in pots filled with high B soil (8 kg ha-1 B; B8). Shoot growth was not affected by B8 treatment, while root and shoot B concentration was significantly increased compared to control. Genotypes Panther and Pronto which performed low relative root and shoot growth and high B accumulation in plants in Experiment 1, had good growth in B8 treatment. In Experiment 2 genotype NS-L-7 had significantly lower B concentration in shots under treatment B8, but also very high B accumulation in Experiment 1. In addition, cluster analyses classified genotypes in three groups according to traits contrasting in their significance for analyzing response to B toxicity. The first group included four varieties based on their shared characteristics that have small value for the relative growth of roots and shoots and large values of B concentration in shoot. In the second largest group were connected ten genotypes that are heterogeneous in traits and do not stand out on any characteristic. Genotypes NS-L-7 and Navajo were separated in the third group because they had big relative growth of root and shoot, but also a high concentration of B in the shoot, and high total B uptake. Results showed that none of tested genotypes could not be recommended for breeding process to tolerance for B toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]